Hong Kong officials issued urgent warnings Sunday about deteriorating air quality, urging vulnerable residents to minimize outdoor exposure as pollution levels approach critical thresholds.
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) reported that suspended particulate concentrations have surged since Saturday night, driven by a dusty air stream from the northeast monsoon. By Sunday morning, eight of the city’s 18 air quality monitoring stations recorded “very high” pollution levels, just one step below the most severe classification.
Affected districts include Eastern, Central and Western, Tseung Kwan O, Kwun Tong, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Tai Po, and North — representing a significant swath of the densely populated region.
“As monsoon winds weaken, pollutant dispersion becomes increasingly challenging,” EPD officials warned, predicting elevated pollution levels will persist for the next one to two days.
Health authorities specifically cautioned children, elderly residents, and individuals with pre-existing heart or respiratory conditions to limit outdoor activities. Employers managing outdoor workers were advised to implement protective measures.
The environmental challenges were compounded by extreme dryness. The Hong Kong Observatory recorded a historic low relative humidity of 21 percent at its Tsim Sha Tsui headquarters — the lowest April reading since monitoring began in 1984.
The Education Bureau recommended schools take proactive steps to safeguard student health amid these environmental conditions.
Residents are advised to monitor official updates and take necessary precautions to protect their health.
